Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-04-02
The Farmers Organization.

TIC faSmeFS OTydR0duOO.
A contemporary aptly says: 'The
power of organization in all enter
prises of a public and private charac-
ter has been 80 frequently demon
strated and the manner of effecting
and maintaining organization SO well
understood, that individual effort in
large way has almost become a
thing Of the past, and it appears
strange the men who have suffered
most for want of organization, and
who would be most benefited by it.,
are beginning to see the necessity of
uniting for the purpose of promoting
their interests and welfare. Manufac-
lures organize and demand of Legis
latures, State and National, the en-
actment Of laws for their protection
and it is done. Railroads combine
and demand peculiar privileges which
enable them to enrich themselves.
Minds write and demand protection
for their wares against foreign com
petition, and they get it. But the
farmer who feeds and clothes the
world, and pays for the privileges
and protection which enriches others,
have never organized for their own
protection, Notwithstanding they
know they have the power to enforce
whatever demand they may make.
When an organization of farmers is
attempted, other classes at once cry
out that it is a political movement
intended TO benefit some "outs, and
as farmers are divided in their politi
cal views and affiliations, disturb is
bread among theu and perfect organi-
zation prevented This distrust is
sometimes made plausible by the
silly ambition and efforts of men who
hope to profit politically by the or
ganization but more frequently it
|. he's no real cause.
When manufactures organize for
the purpose of raising the Tariff on
their wares, does any one think they
are organizing political party? Or
when railroads organize pool, or
raise the freight or passenger tariffs
are they looked upon as political
schemers If manufactures, railroads
and others can organize for the ac-
complishment of their purposes with
out being charged with political dis
loyalty to the parties to which the in
dividuals belong, why should such
suspicion attach to farmers under
similar circumstances There is no
reason in the world for such a charge
and when it is made farmers should
look out for the motive which
prompts it and it will generally be
found to originate with such politi-
clans who think that the country will
go to the everlasting bowwows if he
is not in fat Office at the next cleo
ton, There is not a kernel 10 "a
bushel of such chaff, and farmers
should go ahead with their organiza
tons without paying the least atten-
ton to it. Without united efforts
the farmers always will be, as they
have never been, the easy prey OF
those who feed upon them. AS long
as other classes who are interested
i'll keeping the farmers divided can
prevent their union by crying "wolf,
wolf" will be the cry when they at
tempt to organize, and until they
understand the matter and go ahead
regardless of what outsiders may
say, they will never accomplish any
good for themselves As farmers do
not interfere with the affairs ofothers
they should exercise the God given
right to manage their own affairs
without the interference of any one,
and when it is attempted they should
assert their dignity by resenting it as
an unwarrantable assumption and in.
eXcusable impertinence. From be
ing the most dignified profession
which ever engaged the attention oil
men, farming has become the most
mental, beggarly, and that it may be
restored to its ancient honorable
status among mon, farmers should
organize and by every honorable
means strive to regain their own
footing.
TnuNbfao Naafh I alton